Saed News: An American company claims that in 10 years, couples who have children through IVF will be able to choose the smartest embryos. To this end, the company offers a test to examine embryos.
According to the Science and Technology Service of Saed News, citing The Guardian, one of the leading scientists predicts that in 10 years, couples who decide to get pregnant through IVF will be able to choose the smartest embryos.
Stephen Hsu, Vice President of Research at Michigan State University, says that scientific advancements will mean that in the future, embryos can be ranked based on their potential IQ. Such a process raises deep ethical questions in society, especially regarding the use of this technology. Hsu’s company, Genomic Prediction, already provides tests for couples undergoing fertility treatment across the U.S. to assess embryos with very low IQs. Hsu states, "Accurate IQ prediction will certainly be possible in the next 10 years."
Genomic Prediction’s genomic prediction tests are not yet available in the UK, but the company plans to submit a request to the UK’s "Fertility and Embryology" organization by the end of the year to provide a test to monitor the risk of Type 1 diabetes in embryos.
Since the 1990s, couples undergoing IVF have been able to test their embryos for genetic mutations. These tests check for mutations that lead to serious diseases, such as Down syndrome.
Nevertheless, Genomic Prediction is the first company to use embryo testing to predict risks. It warns couples of potential risks such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and low IQ in embryos.
Currently, the prospect of a new generation of genetically selected children raises concerns about the unintended consequences of medical treatments and the potential deepening of social inequalities.
